What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
It's not common to lose or damage car keys. In most cases these instances, they are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Key fobs are often jostled around, so adjusting buttons can allow them to function normally again. If replacing the battery does not assist, the key fob might require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though it may seem that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many automobiles still have key fobs. Fobs are handy, but they can pose a problem in the event that batteries go out. That's why they need to be kept charged at all times. This can be a difficult task and a dead battery in your key fob can leave you in a bind.
There are options to avoid this scenario. Depending on the model and brand of your vehicle you might have an electronic lock on the fob. Full Document have a backup key that can be used to start the vehicle. This works as an emergency and is typically only intended to help you get from point A to B, but it could be used in certain instances.
If you're unable to get your car started using this method, then the next best option is to lift the front of your vehicle off the ground with set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to a large terminal of the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give your fob battery enough power to start your car or bring you home or to a mechanic.
You can also take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to obtain an entirely new battery. You'll need to have an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knife or another pry tool to reach the inside of the fob and open it to change the battery. Do not apply too much force to the case, or it could pop open and scatter pieces of the fob all over your living area.
After opening the case, use your pry tool to get around the fasteners like you would a slice of apple or an orange, and then begin to separate the two halves. Don't pull the antennas or circuit boards, which contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. If you damage these then you must visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to have it re-programmed.
Keys locked in the Trunk
It's easy to lock the keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a hurry. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this situation you can contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to come and help you retrieve your keys. They will unlock the trunk without damaging your car and could be able to repair any broken locks that contributed to the incident.
You can also call the dealership to request them to make a key for you. Of course, the best alternative is to keep an extra key in your wallet or at home, so you can keep it in case you need to keep your keys locked in the trunk again.
If you do not have an alternative trunk, you can still open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers trunk release. This procedure can be complicated, and it's important to follow the safety guidelines. You can find the instructions for your particular vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for people who don't have extensive car experience.
In the event that standard locksmith techniques aren't successful You can make use of household tools like a screwdriver or a metal rod. Kitchen tools like spatulas can be useful in creating space or prying the trunk open. Unfortunately, some cars have advanced security features that prevent these methods working. A professional will be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out an jiggle or keying procedure to get around the locking mechanism or they may have to make a hole in the trunk door and lock actuator to disable the locking mechanism. These techniques are expensive and you should have an emergency key in your possession or call your dealer to arrange a rekeying. It is ideal that this helps you avoid any problems in the future.
Damaged Ignition
It may seem simple to turn the ignition key however there are a lot of steps and parts that must work together to get the car running. If a component fails, or if even one step is not properly executed it could result in loss of power or control as you drive. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is failing can help you avoid bigger problems, and help you find the correct solutions.
A mobile mechanic can examine the ignition system for damage if it's becoming harder to turn. They can remove the cylinder that controls the ignition with the help of automotive lock picks to fix any damage that may have caused the problem. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This will allow you to leave with the full functioning of your vehicle.
Another indication that you may need an ignition repair is when your vehicle starts to stop while you're driving. It could be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you're driving. You may also be at risk of causing an accident. These problems could be caused by damaged ignition switches, ignition coils, and other parts.
Sometimes, you might have a little more trouble than just a jammed ignition switch and require a complete replacement instead. In such cases, a mobile mechanic is usually in a position to complete an ignition replacement on the spot. They'll be able to do this by disassembling the steering column and removing the old ignition assembly, then installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and operate your car. This kind of repair can save you time and money over buying a brand new car and will be a lot quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open up at a time that is convenient for you.
Damaged Locks
There are several common reasons that your car lock might be damaged. Certain of these issues can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob while others require a more precise repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can be a significant issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can lead to corrosion, discoloration and wear over time. This can eventually result in the lock becoming inoperable. In order to stop this from happening, routine inspections should be performed so any issues can be corrected before they worsen.
If you're having trouble inserting or turning the key in your door lock, this could be a sign that the mechanism has jammed. This is likely due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this problem by using a damp cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock.
Another reason your door locks might be jammed is because the pins inside the cylinder aren't aligned. This is usually fixed by taking the lock cylinder off and then manually aligning it with the keyhole of the door. Once the cylinder has been relocated, the screws should be used to secure it.
The final issue is that the key is damaged in some way. This could be due to excessive force applied when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, try using a spare key to see whether it functions without issues. The best way to repair any damage is to consult an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnostic to identify the root of the issue and employ special tools to eliminate any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore function. A locksmith can also make suggestions for how to protect your lock from damage in the future. This can include weather-resistant covers or shields that can help to protect the lock from harsh elements in the environment.